Nahant superintendent calls it a career

NAHANT — After nearly 50 years in education, Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi officially retired on Monday.

The New Jersey native’s career started right after he graduated from Rutgers University in 1968, when he became a social studies teacher in the district of Scarsdale, N.Y. Pierantozzi would remain in the role until 1983, when he first came to Massachusetts to be both a teacher and multi-sport coach in the Village of Barnstable. In 1994, Pierantozzi was given his first leadership opportunity when he became the first dean of students for the Marston Mills Middle School in Barnstable when it launched in 1996. Three years later, he returned to New York to take up his first superintendent role for the Odessa-Montour Central School District.

“No, absolutely not,” Pierantozzi said when he was asked if he ever imagined he would be a superintendent. “Like most of us, things just evolve. I had great mentors and role models.”

In 2005, Pierantozzi became superintendent of schools for the City of Somerville after four years in the same role for Cape Cod’s Dennis-Yarmouth. A decade later, he was ready for the part-time superintendent job Nahant had to offer.

“It was a great eight years. I love the community,” Pierantozzi said. “The town has really embraced education and really supported me.”

Pierantozzi gave credit to and expressed gratitude for the entire Johnson School staff for their contributions during his tenure, most notably Secretary Sherri April, Administrative Assistant Chris Katsos, and Principal Kevin Andrews.

“Kevin (Andrews) was my first hire, he was there the entire eight years,” Pierantozzi said. “In addition to the entire staff, those three people gave me a lot of support.”

He also thanked each and every School Committee member who served during his tenure.

“Superintendent Pierantozzi’s leadership has left an indelible mark on our community, fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive,” School Committee Chair Patricia Karras said. “We will all miss working for him, but I am so excited for him.”

Pierantozzi is being succeeded by Robert Liebow, who was chosen by the School Committee to be the next superintendent in April. Liebow graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in biology. His career in education began in Maine, where he eventually served as superintendent of the Mount Desert Island Regional School System. He spent time as the superintendent for the district of Rockport, where he formed a professional relationship with Swampscott Superintendent Pamela Angelakis.

“Mr. Liebow will do a fine job. He’s an experienced superintendent, like I was,” Pierantozzi said. “The community is really fortunate to have someone with his skills, background, and expertise.”

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